16678, Saxton, Pennsylvania Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 16678, Saxton, Pennsylvania is 25 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 95.91 percent of the residents in 16678 has some form of health insurance. 45.31 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 72.99 percent of the residents have private health insurance, either through their employer or direct purchase. Military veterans should know that percent of the residents in the ZIP Code of 16678 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 439 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 16678. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 661 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 451 health care providers accessible to residents in 16678, Saxton, Pennsylvania.

The analysis of asthma care within ZIP code 16678, encompassing Saxton, Pennsylvania, requires a nuanced approach. Assessing the quality of care involves examining several interconnected factors, including physician availability, the adoption of innovative technologies, and the integration of mental health support, all within the context of a specific patient population. This analysis will delve into these aspects, providing a preliminary 'Asthma Score' assessment, while acknowledging the limitations of readily available data and the need for more granular information.

Physician-to-patient ratios are a critical starting point. In a rural area like Saxton, the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs) directly impacts access to asthma management. Low ratios, meaning fewer doctors per resident, can lead to delayed diagnoses, infrequent check-ups, and ultimately, poorer asthma control. While specific physician-to-patient ratios are difficult to ascertain without proprietary data, the overall rural nature of the area suggests potential challenges in this regard. This scarcity necessitates a focus on optimizing the existing resources and exploring alternative care models.

Standout practices within the area, if any, would likely demonstrate a proactive approach to asthma management. This includes implementing evidence-based guidelines for diagnosis and treatment, offering patient education programs, and providing readily accessible asthma action plans. Practices that prioritize patient communication, encourage regular follow-up appointments, and utilize electronic health records (EHRs) for efficient data management are more likely to achieve better outcomes. Identifying such practices, however, requires a deeper dive into individual clinic performance, patient satisfaction surveys, and potentially, interviews with local healthcare providers.

Telemedicine adoption represents a significant opportunity to improve asthma care in a geographically challenged area. Telemedicine can bridge the distance between patients and healthcare providers, enabling virtual consultations, medication management, and remote monitoring of lung function. Practices that embrace telemedicine can offer greater flexibility in scheduling appointments, reduce the need for frequent in-person visits, and provide timely interventions to prevent asthma exacerbations. The success of telemedicine, however, depends on factors such as internet access, patient digital literacy, and the willingness of both patients and providers to adopt this technology.

The integration of mental health resources is often overlooked in asthma care, but it is crucial. Asthma can significantly impact a patient's quality of life, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. Practices that recognize this connection and offer access to mental health services, either directly or through referrals, are better equipped to provide holistic care. This might involve integrating mental health professionals into the practice, offering counseling services, or providing educational materials on managing stress and anxiety. The availability of such resources is a key indicator of the overall quality of care.

Based on these factors, a preliminary 'Asthma Score' for Saxton (ZIP code 16678) might be considered moderate. The rural setting suggests potential challenges in physician availability, which could negatively impact the score. The presence or absence of standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and mental health integration would significantly influence the final assessment. Without more specific data on these aspects, it's difficult to provide a more precise ranking.

Further analysis would require access to data on physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of asthma-specific programs within local practices, the extent of telemedicine adoption, and the availability of mental health resources. Patient satisfaction surveys and interviews with local healthcare providers would provide valuable insights into the quality of care and the patient experience.

The overall assessment underscores the need for continuous improvement in asthma care within Saxton. This involves addressing the potential challenges of physician availability, promoting the adoption of innovative technologies like telemedicine, and integrating mental health support into the care model. Continuous monitoring of key performance indicators, such as asthma exacerbation rates, emergency room visits, and patient satisfaction, is essential for tracking progress and identifying areas for improvement.

For a more detailed visual representation of the healthcare landscape in Saxton, including the location of healthcare providers, patient demographics, and potential areas for improvement, explore the power of CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can help you visualize the data, identify trends, and make informed decisions about healthcare resource allocation.